Miss Stafford, Borough Hall, Stafford

Description:Fourth from the left is 16 year old Miss Cynthia Middleton, who was chosen as “Miss Stafford 1952” on Friday 25 April, at a dance held at the Borough Hall, organised by the Pageant Committee of Stafford British Legion. Miss Lilian Everitt (second from right), one of the judges and dressmaker to the Pageant Queen and her retinue, is pictured tying the sash of office on Cynthia. Also in the group are three other finalists and Miss A M Roberts (second left), a co-judge, who represented Stafford Press.

Two “titles” within six months is a record for Cynthia, elder daughter of Mr and Mrs Middleton of Izaac Walton Street, Stafford. She was selected as “Miss North End” during the previous October. Stafford born Cynthia, a former pupil of Riverway Girls School was later employed in a Ladies outfitters. Her hobbies included old-time dancing. She was urged to enter the contest by her Mother and boyfriend; the latter accompanied her to the dance.

The Pageant Queen was due to be selected soon from: “Miss Stafford” Cynthia Middleton, “Miss English Electric” Maureen Cave; “Miss Universal” Sylvia Poyser, “Miss B.R.C.,” Pat Salt, “Miss Lotus” Barbara Wood and several aspirants from Stafford Rural District. The crowning ceremony was planned to be held on 6 June.

This photograph was published in the Staffordshire Newsletter on Saturday 3 May 1952. Reproduced by Kind permission of the Staffordshire Newsletter who retain copyright.